Dream come true for Thiem as he wins home title in Kitzbuehel

Dominic Thiem finished off his long 2019 clay season with a resounding win as the Austrian lived the dream by finally winning his home title.

The two-time Roland Garros finalist set himself up nicely for a quick run on hardcourt to the US Open later this month with his 7-6(0), 6-1 defeat of Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the famed ski resort of Kitzbuehel

Thiem will have no chance to savour success as he hops on a flight across the Atlantic to prepare for a second-round start after a bye at the Montreal Masters.

“It is already one of my most beautiful moments ever in my tennis career,”Thiem said. “It was one of the most emotional moments because I have a special connection with Kitzbühel.

“I was here for the first time when I was six on this huge centre court. I was watching the tournament many times.“I got my first wild card here and now to finish the tournament as the champion is incredible. I reached one big childhood goal today.”

Thiem was denied in the 2014 final in Austria, losing to David Goffin; but he emphatically stamped his authority on his second bite of the cherry, fending off all six break points he faced to defeat last weekend’s Gstaad champion.

Thiem joins compatriot Thomas Muster as the only home players to have lifted the alpine trophy as he won in just over 90 minutes

Thiem’s coach Nicolas Massu also won Kitz in 2004.

The winner now stands a solid 28-11 heading back to the cement; he has plenty of experience on that surface also after claiming the Indian Wells Masters honours in March.

The ATP No. 4 earned his third title of the season after playing in four finals (also Barcelona on clay); he now owns 14 career trophies.

“Maybe I had a little advantage ([over) Albert,” Thiem said in victory.

“I think he played really good, but he has had a tough two weeks so maybe he got a little bit tired… When I got the tie-break, where I played well with no mistakes, I think the match went in my direction.”